On Saturday evening, Real Madrid won 4-1 at Celta Vigo. The royals performed very efficiently – and had a well-performing Modric in their ranks.
Real had to do without Kroos on Saturday night in Vigo, who was unavailable due to flu. Casemiro was also out, the midfielder will move to Manchester United. So only one of the “Bermuda Triangle”, as coach Carlos Ancelotti called it, was still there – and that was Modric. More on him later.
Handball penalties for both teams
The match started rather quietly – until the visitors called for a penalty in the 12th minute, Tapia got Alaba’s shot on his right arm from close range. The match initially continued, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano was sent to the monitor and pointed to the spot. Benzema did not let the chance slip away (14th). There should also have been a penalty on the other side, this one was clearer, Eder Militao blocked Paciencia’s header with his outstretched arm, the referee immediately gave a penalty kick. Goal-scorer Iago Aspas converted richly, although Courtois guessed the corner (23rd).
Fine footing from Modric
The game was very even, the home side kept up with the champions and Champions League winners very well, Cervi even narrowly missed the lead (33.). The fact that the royals nevertheless went into the dressing rooms with a lead was due to the ingenuity of Modric, who flicked the ball into the right corner from 19 metres (41). The Croatian had too much space, among other things, because Tapir slipped away.
Real extremely effective
After the break, Vigo had the first chance through Paciencia (53rd), but Real scored the goal: Modric sent Vinicius Junior on his way with a dream pass, the Brazilian got round Marchesin and slotted into the empty net (56th). The hosts looked for a direct answer, but Aidoo headed just too high (63.). Celta, however, had the problem that day that the Madrilenians were extremely ice-cold: Valverde pushed the ball into the left corner and virtually ensured the decision with his 4:1 in the 66th minute.
After this goal, the air was out, Madrid managed the game skilfully and Vigo no longer believed in the mega-comeback. Thus, the champions had their second win in their second league match, which almost turned out even higher, but Hazard missed a penalty shortly before the end (87th).